[0001] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING CAPABILITY

AND CORE NETWORK INFORMATION TO SUPPORT INTERWORKING BETWEEN 3GPP AND NON-3GPP NETWORKS

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] This application is related to wireless communications.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Currently the mobile Communication industry is moving toward convergence and interworking between various wireless technologies, (e.g., third generation partnership project (3GPP)-based, 3GPP2-based, IEEE 802.11 WiFi, IEEE 802.16 WiMax, and Fixed Broadband Access, etc.). The main goal of this convergence is to allow subscribers to access their home-based services anywhere via any technology. In order to support this goal, the 3GPP standards have defined the interworking architecture, (i.e., evolved packet system (EPS)), shown in Figure 1.

[0006] The functions of the mobility management entity (MME) include non-access stratum (NAS) signaling and security, inter core network (CN) node signaling for mobility between 3GPP access networks, roaming, authentication, or the like. The serving gateway is a note that terminates the interface towards an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN). The packet data network (PDN) gateway is a node that terminates the SGi interface towards the PDN. The functions of the PDN gateway include mobility anchor for mobility between 3GPP network and non-3GPP networks, UE Internet protocol (IP) address allocation, etc.

[0007] For non-3GPP accesses, the EPS includes an evolved packet data gateway (ePDG). The ePDG includes functionalities of a PDG according to 3GPP standards that specify inter-working between 3GPP systems and a WLAN. Untrusted non-3GPP access requires ePDG in the data path. [0008] To support roaming and mobility, the EPS architecture defines following interfaces:

Sl-MME, Sl-U, S3, S4, SlO, SIl: These are defined in 3GPP TS 23.401.

S2a: It provides a user plane with related control and mobility support between a trusted non-3GPP IP access and a gateway.

S2b: It provides a user plane with related control and mobility support between an ePDG and a gateway.

S2c: It provides a user plane with related control and mobility support between a user equipment (UE) and a gateway. This reference point is implemented over trusted and/or untrusted non-3GPP access and/or 3GPP access.

S5: It provides user plane tunneling and tunnel management between a serving gateway and a packet data network (PDN) gateway. It is used for serving gateway relocation due to UE mobility and in case the serving gateway needs to connect to a non-collocated PDN GW for the required PDN connectivity.

S6a: This interface is defined between an MME and a home subscriber server (HSS) for authentication and authorization.

S6c: It is a reference point between a PDN gateway in a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) and a 3GPP authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) server for mobility related authentication if needed. This reference point may also be used to retrieve and request storage of mobility parameters.

S6d: It is a reference point between a serving gateway in a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) and a 3GPP AAA proxy for mobility related authentication if needed. This reference point may also be used to retrieve and request storage of mobility parameters.

S7: It provides transfer of quality of service (QoS) policy and charging rules from a PCRF to a policy and charging enforcement point (PCEF).

S8b: It is a roaming interface in case of roaming with home routed traffic. It provides a user plane with related control between gateways in the VPLMN and the HPLMN.

S9: It indicates the roaming variant of the S7 reference point for the enforcement in the VPLMN of dynamic control policies from the HPLMN.

SGi: It is a reference point between a PDN gateway and a packet data network. The packet data network may be an operator external public or private packet data network or an intra operator packet data network, (e.g., for provision of IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) services). This reference point corresponds to Gi and Wi functionalities and supports any 3GPP and non-3GPP access systems.

Wa: It connects an untrusted non-3GPP IP access with a 3GPP AAA server/proxy and transports access authentication, authorization and charging-related information in a secure manner.

Ta: It connects a trusted non-3GPP IP access with a 3GPP AAA server/proxy and transports access authentication, authorization, mobility parameters and charging-related information in a secure manner.

Wd: It connects the 3GPP AAA proxy, possibly via intermediate networks, to the 3GPP AAA server.

Wm: This reference point is located between a 3GPP AAA server/proxy and an ePDG and is used for AAA signaling (transport of mobility parameters, tunnel authentication and authorization data).

Wn: This is a reference point between an untrusted non-3GPP IP access and an ePDG. Traffic on this interface for a UE initiated tunnel has to be forced towards the ePDG.

Wx: This reference point is located between a 3GPP AAA server and an HSS and is used for transport of authentication data. [0009] In order to perform interworking operation effectively between

3GPP systems and non-3 GPP systems, it would be desirable to exchange information pertaining to different systems between a UE and a network.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] A method and apparatus for providing capability information and core network information to support interworking between a 3GPP network and

a non-3GPP network are disclosed. A UE sends UE capability information pertaining to the non-3GPP network such as IEEE 802.11 interworking wireless local area network (I-WLAN), an IEEE 802.16 WiMAX network, a fixed broadband network, etc. to a 3GPP network. The 3GPP network may send core network information pertaining to the non-3GPP networks to the UE.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] A more detailed understanding may be had from the following description, given by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 an interworking architecture defined by the 3GPP standards;

[0015] Figure 2 shows a UE including multiple radio units for operating both in a 3GPP network and a non-3 GPP network; and

[0016] Figure 3 is a flow diagram of a process of exchanging UE capability information and core network information pertaining to the non-3GPP network.

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] When referred to hereafter, the terminology "UE" includes but is not limited to a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), a mobile station, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a pager, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a computer, or any other type of user device capable of operating in a wireless environment.

[0019] Figure 2 shows a UE 200 including multiple radio units for operating both in a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network. The UE 200 includes multiple radio units, (i.e., a 3GPP radio unit 202 and at least one non- 3GPP radio unit 204). A controller 206 in the UE 200 controls the radio units 202, 204 and performs functions for handover between the 3GPP network and the non-3GPP network. The non-3GPP network may be an IEEE 802.11 interworking wireless local area network (I-WLAN), an IEEE 802.16 WiMAX network, a fixed broadband network, or the like.

[0020] The UE 200 and the 3GPP network exchange UE capability information and core network information in order to facilitate the handover between the 3GPP network and the non-3GPP network. The 3GPP standards define UE capability information and core network information to be exchanged between the UE and the 3GPP network for facilitating communication within the 3GPP network (3GPP TS 25.331). The conventional 3GPP information elements are extended to provide UE capability information and core network information pertaining to the non-3GPP networks to facilitate interworking between the 3GPP network and the non-3GPP network.

[0021] Figure 3 is a flow diagram of an example process 300 of exchanging

UE capability information and core network information pertaining to the non- 3GPP network. It should be noted that the steps in the process 300 may be performed in different order and some steps may be performed simultaneously or may be omitted. Upon power up, a UE camps on a 3GPP control channel (step 302). Information regarding available systems within a cell, (e.g., GSM, GPRS, UMTS, or the like), is transmitted via the 3GPP control channel. The UE receives, and stores, a list of available systems (step 304). [0022] Based on the user preference or UE pre-configuration, the UE registers with one of the 3GPP networks, and may request additional information about the available systems within the cell (step 306). The UE also provides the 3GPP network with the UE capability information pertaining to the non-3GPP networks (step 308). The UE capability information pertaining to the non-3GPP network includes UE multi-mode/multi-radio access technology (RAT) capability, UE radio access capability, UE measurement capability, or the like, which will be described in detail below.

[0023] The 3GPP network receives registration information and the UE capability information, and performs authorization and authentication procedures to ensure the integrity of the information provided by the UE (step 310). The 3GPP network may provide the UE with the core network information pertaining to the non-3GPP networks (step 312). The core network information may include at least one of core network domain identity, core network domain

system information, domain specific access restriction, domain specific access restriction parameters, intra domain non-access stratum (NAS) node selector, NAS system information, public land mobile network (PLMN) type, and radio access bearer (RAB) identity, etc., which will be described in detail below. The 3GPP network may also provide the UE with the core network capability information.

[0024] After receiving the core network information, the UE may make a decision on the preferred network based on a preconfigured selection mechanism (step 314). The 3GPP network may direct the UE to select other network (step 316).

[0025] The UE sends UE multi-mode/multi-RAT capability information

(defined in 3GPP TS 25.331 10.3.3.41) to the 3GPP network. Information pertaining to the non-3GPP network is added to the UE multi-mode/multi-RAT capability information. The new information includes at least one of support of trusted interworking wireless local area network (I-WLAN), support of untrusted I-WLAN, support of WiMAX (trusted), support of fixed broadband (trusted), support of I-WLAN-UTRAN handoffs, support of WiMAX-UTRAN handoffs, support of fixed broadband-UTRAN handoffs, etc. Table 1 shows UE multi- mode/multi-RAT capability information including these new information elements (underlined) pertaining to the non-3GPP technologies. In the need column tables below, MP stands for mandatory present and OP stands for optional.

Table 1

[0026] The UE reports UE radio access capability information (defined in

3GPP TS 25.331 10.3.3.42). Information pertaining to the non-3GPP network is added to the UE radio access capability information. For example, the new information may be at least one of I-WLAN radio frequency (RF) capability, WiMAX RF capability, fixed broadband RF capability, etc. Table 2 shows UE radio access capability information including the new information elements (underlined) pertaining to the non-3GPP technologies.

Table 2

[0027] The UE may send radio access capability extension (defined in

3GPP TS 25.331 10.3.3.42a). The radio access capability extension may include

supported frequency band information, (e.g., I-WLAN bands, WiMAX bands, fixed broadband bands, etc.). Table 3 shows UE radio access capability extension information including new information elements (underlined) pertaining the non- 3GPP technologies.

Table 3

[0028] The 3GPP network sends CN information including CN domain identity(defmed in 3GPP TS 25.331 10.3.1.1). The CN domain identity identifies the type of core network domain. The CN domain identity may further include types of non-3GPP domains (e.g., trusted or non-trusted: I-WLAN domain, WiMAX domain). The new information elements (underlined) are shown in Table 4.

Table 4

[0029] The 3GPP network sends CN information including CN domain system information (defined in 3GPP TS 25.331 10.3.1.2). The CN domain system information may include information pertaining to the non-3GPP network, such as CN domain specific I-WLAN system information (trusted and untrusted), CN domain specific WiMAX system information, CN domain specific fixed broadband system information. The CN domain system information including the new information elements (underlined) are shown in Table 5.

Table 5

[0030] The 3GPP network may provide the UE with domain specific access restriction parameters (defined in 3GPP TS 25.331 10.3.1.3c). Domain specific access restriction parameters specify domain specific access class restriction parameters for circuit switched (CS) and packet switched (PS) domain. This information element may further include parameters pertaining to the non-3GPP networks, such as domain specific access restriction parameters for trusted I- WLAN domain, non-trusted I-WLAN domain, WiMAX domain, fixed broadband domain, etc. Domain specific access restriction parameters including the new information elements (underlined) are shown in Table 6.

Table 6

[0031] The 3GPP network provides the UE with intra domain NAS node selector (defined in 3GPP TS 25.331 10.3.1.6). The intra-domain NAS node selector information element carries information to be used to route the establishment of a signaling connection to a CN node within a CN domain. This information element may further include information pertaining to the non-3GPP networks, such as routing parameters for the I-WLAN (trusted or untrusted), WiMAX (trusted), fixed broadband network, etc. The intra domain NAS node selector including the new information elements (underlined) is shown in Table 7.

Table 7

[0032] The 3GPP network provides the UE with NAS system information

(defined in 3GPP TS 25.331 10.3.1.9). The NAS system information (GSM-MAP) shown in Table 8 contains system information that belongs to the NAS for a GSM-MAP type of PLMN. This information is transparent to radio resource control (RRC). This information element may contain either information specific to one CN domain (CS or PS, or non-3GPP (I-WLAN, WiMAx, or fixed broadband)) or information common for both CN domains.

Table 8

[0033] The 3GPP network provides the UE with a PLMN type information

(defined in 3GPP TS 25.331 10.3.1.12). The "PLMN type" information element identifies the type of PLMN. This information element shall be used to control

the interpretation of network dependent messages and information elements in the RRC protocol. "I-WLAN" is included as one of the PLMN type as shown in Table 9.

Table 9

[0034] The 3GPP network provides the UE with a radio access bearer

(RAB) identity (as defined in 3GPP TS 25.331 10.3.1.14). The RAB identity uniquely identifies an RAB within a CN domain. The RAB identity information element may include an RAB identity of the I-WLAN (trusted or untrusted), WiMAX, fixed broadband, etc. The RAB identity information including the new information elements (underlined) are shown in Table 10.

Table 10

[0035] The UE reports its measurement capabilities to the network (as defined in 3GPP TS 25.331 10.3.3.21). The UE may indicate to the 3GPP network through the measurement capability information element whether the UE requires downlink or uplink compressed mode in order to perform measurements on IEEE 802.11 WLAN or IEEE 802.16 WLAN. The measurement capability information including the new information elements (underlined) is shown in Table 11.

Table 11

[0036] Measurement capability extension information element may be used to replace the measurement capability information provided within the measurement capability information element. The measurement capability extension information element indicates the need for downlink or uplink compressed mode to perform measurement on IEEE 802.11 or 802.16 WLAN, as shown in Table 12.

Table 12

[0037] Embodiments.

[0038] 1. A method for providing capability information and core network information to support interworking between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network.

[0039] 2. The method of embodiment 1 comprising registering with a

3GPP network.

[0040] 3. The method of embodiment 2 comprising sending UE capability information pertaining to the non-3GPP network to the 3GPP network.

[0041] 4. The method as in any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the non-3GPP network is at least one of an 802.11 I-WLAN, an 802.16 WiMAX network, and a fixed broadband network.

[0042] 5. The method as in any one of embodiments 3-4, wherein the

UE capability information pertaining to the non-3 GPP network includes at least one of UE multi-mode/multi-RAT capability, UE radio access capability, and UE measurement capability.

[0043] 6. The method of embodiment 5 wherein the UE multi- mode/multi-RAT capability information includes at least one of support for trusted I-WLAN, support of non-trusted I-WLAN, support of trusted WiMAX network, and support of trusted fixed broadband network, support of I-WLAN- UTRAN handoff, support of WiMAX-UTRAN handoff, and support of fixed broadband-UTRAN handoff.

[0044] 7. The method as in any one of embodiments 5-6, wherein the

UE radio access capability information includes at least one of I-WLAN RF capability, WiMAX RF capability, and fixed broadband RF capability. [0045] 8. The method of embodiment 7 wherein the UE radio access capability information further includes supported frequency band information. [0046] 9. The method as in any one of embodiments 2-8, further comprising receiving core network information pertaining to the non-3GPP networks from the 3GPP network.

[0047] 10. The method of embodiment 9 wherein the core network information pertaining to the non-3GPP networks includes at least one of core network domain identity, core network domain system information, domain specific access restriction, domain specific access restriction parameters, intra domain NAS node selector, NAS system information, PLMN type, and RAB identity.

[0048] 11. A UE for providing capability information to support interworking between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network. [0049] 12. The UE of embodiment 11 comprising a 3GPP radio unit.

[0050] 13. The UE of embodiment 12 comprising a non-3GPP radio unit.

[0051] 14. The UE as in any one of embodiments 12-13, comprising a controller for sending UE capability information pertaining to a non-3GPP network to a 3GPP network.

[0052] 15. The UE as in any one of embodiments 11-14, wherein the non-3GPP network is at least one of an 802.11 I-WLAN, an 802.16 WiMAX network, and a fixed broadband network.

[0053] 16. The UE as in any one of embodiments 14-15, wherein the UE capability information pertaining to the non-3GPP network includes at least one of UE multi-mode/multi-RAT capability, UE radio access capability, and UE measurement capability.

[0054] 17. The UE of embodiment 16 wherein the UE multi-mode/multi-

RAT capability information includes at least one of support for trusted I-WLAN, support of non-trusted I-WLAN, support of trusted WiMAX network, and support of trusted fixed broadband network, support of I-WLAN-UTRAN handoff, support of WiMAX-UTRAN handoff, and support of fixed broadband-UTRAN handoff. [0055] 18. The UE as in any one of embodiments 16-17, wherein the UE radio access capability information includes at least one of I-WLAN RF capability, WiMAX RF capability, and fixed broadband RF capability. [0056] 19. The UE of embodiment 18 wherein the UE radio access capability information further includes supported frequency band information. [0057] 20. The UE as in any one of embodiments 14-19, wherein the controller is configured to receive core network information pertaining to the non- 3GPP networks from the 3GPP network.

[0058] 21. The UE of embodiment 20 wherein the core network information pertaining to the non-3 GPP networks includes at least one of core network domain identity, core network domain system information, domain specific access restriction, domain specific access restriction parameters, intra domain NAS node selector, NAS system information, PLMN type, and RAB identity.

[0059] 22. A method for providing capability information and core network information to support interworking between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network.

[0060] 23. The method of embodiment 22 comprising receiving UE capability information pertaining to the non-3 GPP network from a UE.

[0061] 24. The method of embodiment 23 comprising sending core network information pertaining to the non-3GPP network to the UE.

[0062] 25. The method as in any one of embodiments 22-24, wherein the non-3GPP network is at least one of an 802.11 I-WLAN, an 802.16 WiMAX network, and a fixed broadband network.

[0063] 26. The method as in any one of embodiments 23-25, wherein the

UE capability information pertaining to the non-3 GPP network includes at least one of UE multi-mode/multi-RAT capability, UE radio access capability, and UE measurement capability.

[0064] 27. The method as in any one of embodiments 24-26, wherein the core network information pertaining to the non-3GPP networks includes at least one of core network domain identity, core network domain system information, domain specific access restriction, domain specific access restriction parameters, intra domain NAS node selector, NAS system information, PLMN type, and RAB identity.

[0065] 28. An apparatus for providing capability information and core network information to support interworking between a 3GPP network and a non-3 GPP network.

[0066] 29. The apparatus of embodiment 28 comprising a transceiver.

[0067] 30. The apparatus of embodiment 29 comprising a processing unit for receiving UE capability information pertaining to the non-3GPP network from a UE and sending core network information pertaining to the non-3GPP network to the UE.

[0068] 31. The apparatus as in any one of embodiments 28-30, wherein the non-3GPP network is at least one of an 802.11 I-WLAN, an 802.16 WiMAX network, and a fixed broadband network.

[0069] 32. The apparatus as in any one of embodiments 30-31, wherein the UE capability information pertaining to the non-3 GPP network includes at least one of UE multi-mode/multi-RAT capability, UE radio access capability, and UE measurement capability.

[0070] 33. The apparatus as in any one of embodiments 30-32, wherein the core network information pertaining to the non-3 GPP networks includes at least one of core network domain identity, core network domain system information, domain specific access restriction, domain specific access restriction parameters, intra domain NAS node selector, NAS system information, PLMN type, and RAB identity.

[0071] Although features and elements are described above in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the other features and elements or in various combinations with or without other features and elements. The methods or flow charts provided herein may be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmware incorporated in a computer- readable storage medium for execution by a general purpose computer or a processor. Examples of computer-readable storage mediums include a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a register, cache memory, semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical media, and optical media such as CD-ROM disks, and digital versatile disks (DVDs).

[0072] Suitable processors include, by way of example, a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), and/or a state machine. [0073] A processor in association with software may be used to implement a radio frequency transceiver for use in a wireless transmit receive unit (WTRU), user equipment (UE), terminal, base station, radio network controller (RNC), or any host computer. The WTRU may be used in conjunction with modules,

implemented in hardware and/or software, such as a camera, a video camera module, a videophone, a speakerphone, a vibration device, a speaker, a microphone, a television transceiver, a hands free headset, a keyboard, a Bluetooth® module, a frequency modulated (FM) radio unit, a liquid crystal display (LCD) display unit, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display unit, a digital music player, a media player, a video game player module, an Internet browser, and/or any wireless local area network (WLAN) or Ultra Wide Band (UWB) module.